Lead Cook - UVA-Brandon Ave

Job Description

The Lead Cook at the Gaston Food Hub is a highly skilled, hands-on culinary professional who serves as the frontline supervisory leader for the kitchen staff during assigned shifts. This role is responsible for ensuring the efficient execution of all culinary operations across the hub's four dining concepts. The Lead Cook coaches fellow cooks, enforces strict food safety protocols, and acts as the immediate operational support to the Sous Chef.

Job Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Coaching

• Lead the Line: Serve as the designated shift leader in the absence of the Sous Chef or Manager, directing the flow of production and ensuring all stations are set up and running efficiently.

• Task Delegation: Assist management in delegating daily tasks and ensuring that all Food Service Workers and Cooks understand and execute their assignments correctly.

• Training and Quality Control: Provide hands-on coaching and training to kitchen staff on specific cooking techniques, recipe execution, and safety procedures. Conduct regular checks of food output for quality, temperature, and plate presentation consistency.

• Problem Resolution: Address immediate, minor operational and staff performance issues on the line, escalating complex matters to the Sous Chef or Manager.

Culinary Production and Execution

• Prepare, cook, and present high-quality menu items across all four dining concepts according to standardized recipes and production guides.

• Maintain speed and efficiency in production to meet high-volume demands during peak meal periods, including late-night service.

• Ensure proper use and maintenance of all commercial kitchen equipment (grills, fryers, ovens, etc.).

Food Safety and Inventory

• Enforcement: Actively enforce all food safety and sanitation standards (HACCP) among the culinary team, ensuring a clean and safe working environment.

• Accurately monitor, document, and manage product temperatures and holding times.

• Assist with verifying and receiving deliveries, and ensure strict adherence to the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory rotation system.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of progressive hands-on experience as a Cook in a high-volume commercial kitchen environment.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a leadership, supervisory, or training capacity within a kitchen setting.

• Proven ability to read, follow, and teach others to follow standardized recipes accurately.

• Must be able to successfully work a rotating shift schedule, which includes covering day shifts (breakfast/lunch) and evening/late-night shifts .

• Strong knowledge of kitchen sanitation procedures and food safety principles (ServSafe certification is highly preferred).

• Exceptional communication and delegation skills.

Preferred

• Current ServSafe certification.

• Experience working in a multi-concept dining environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift).

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds frequently.

• Requires frequent bending, reaching, and stooping in a fast-paced environment.

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Education

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .